Effect of Cue Characteristics on Event Based Prospective Memory: Evaluating Valence and Presentation Mode

Abstract

This study examined the effect of cue distinctiveness (presentation mode & valence) on event based prospective memory. It involved a 2 (positive, negative) x 2 (implicit, explicit) mixed design with repeated measure on the second factor. Cue (emotional & neutral words) learning preceded the ongoing task (vowel counting task). Participants (N = 40) made prospective memory response (press "p") to indicate cue occurrence during the ongoing task. Arial size 8 - gray on black at 120ms/word (implicit), - white on black at 250ms/word (explicit). Significant main effects of emotional valence and significant interaction between valence and modes of presentation was found. Post-hoc analysis revealed greater degree of accuracy for positive cues only during implicit presentations. The study concludes that cue valence functions as a measure of cue distinctiveness in event based prospective memory. Presentation modes particularly the implicit mode differentially benefits only the positive valence cue.